Soldiers Memorial Military Museum

"Just because the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum is free (donations are accepted), one might (mistakenly) think it is not worth a visit, but it was the perfect place for us to spend a rainy Saturday afternoon in September! My wife & I were visiting St. Louis for the first time, and this was our last full day in the city. We walked from our hotel (in the rain), arriving at the museum in the early afternoon. Even before we entered the museum, we were impressed by the Soldiers Memorial architecture (do take some time to check out the sculptures flanking the entrances). As a retired U.S. Air Force veteran, I also paused in the loggia to reflect on the cenotaph and the Gold Star Mothers mosaic above before entering the museum. This is truly a moving space for contemplation and reflection, and it appropriately set the mode for our entry into the museum. Inside, the museum’s permanent exhibits were impressive on their own, but we were also thankful to see the equally impressive “Tuskegee Airmen: America’s Freedom Fighters” special exhibit available during our visit. Visiting from South Carolina, we were thrilled to learn that the Tuskegee Airmen had trained at the Walterboro (SC) Army Airfield. The Tuskegee Airmen special exhibit taught us much about these courageous trailblazers; what a great bonus! At the end of our visit, we made a donation not only to support the operation of the museum, but to express our appreciation for the hours of military history we were exposed to through the museum’s displays. Finally, as a veteran, I was grateful for the military discount I received on the museum-related items I purchased as we were leaving. Although the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum has a ‘local’ (St. Louis) focus, I would highly recommend it for anyone with an interest in military history, . . . and don’t wait for a rainy day to visit!"

"Definitely found even more of a respect/ understanding of the Military, Service Men and Women. Definitely come check out their very informal exhibits they have at this Great Gallery. 🫡 🇺🇸"

"This was a wonderful stop in St.Louis. All of the exhibits were very thoughtful and educational. We especially enjoyed the Tuskegee Airmen exhibit."

"What a wonderful and humbling museum experience. They did an amazing job redoing this place! It's small but mighty in the quality...It's inviting & informative; FREE Ya'll!!Here, A great way to learn about the selfless sacrifice of so many from St. Louis. There are exhibits with areas that you can "touch", listen to audio and visual sections too. a ramp if you need to "roll" in :) good luck on free parking!"

"Pretty decent exhibits and free to the public, though a donation is kindly requested in the form of a gift shop purchase. The museum connects on the basement floor level and the exhibit there is dark but cool. You aren't allowed to bring backpacks inside so keep that in mind if you are sight seeing. I had to leave my backpack with the front desk guide and there isnt a system of verifying your own stuff if others have left their bags alongside yours...thankfully i had a luggage tag on mine."